Bathing suit and brassiere therefor



Dec. 9, 1958 MONROE 2,863,460

BATHING SUIT AND BRASSIERE THEREFOR I Filed Sept. 25. 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 M INVENTOR.

f z J/ayer G/I/a/Irde A TTORNEYS 9, 1958 M. G. MONROE BATHING SUIT AND BRASSIERE THEREFOR 2.Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 25. 1956 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS scale, taken on the line 8--8,of Fig.6.,

United States Patent BATHING surr AND BRASSIERE THEREFOR Mayer G. Monroe, Oswego, 0reg., assignor to Jantzen, Inc., Portland, 0reg., a corporation of Nevada Application September 25, 1956, Serial No. 612,005

8 Claims. (Cl. 128-435) The present invention relates, generally, to ladies garments and, in particular, brassiere type bathing suits. To the wearer, the brassiere section of a bathing suit is one of the most important, if not the most important part of the suit. The brassiere section is the part of the bathing suit that prospective. purchasers examine first and consider of paramount importance. This is due to thefact that prospective purchasers wish to look as well proportioned and glamorous, throughout the bust area, in their bathing suits, as they do when wearing a regular foundation brassiere under their street clothing. The decision on the purchase of a bathing suit often depends upon the satisfactory functioning of the brassiere thereof when the suit is being tried on in the fitting room of a sales establishment.

In view of the foregoing, itis an object of the present invention to provide a brassiere type bathing suit which achieves the same brassiere fit, function and utility as in a foundation brassiere.

Another object is the provision of a bathing suit brassiere which is relatively of light weight and which is functional when worn without shoulder straps.

Another object is to provide a bathing suit brassiere which is readily detachable from the bathing suit and which can be worn with normal street clothing, or with garments other than bathing suits.

Another object is the provision of a bathing suit having a brassiere which is readily removable therefrom for laundering .or otherwise.

A further object is to provide a bathing suit having provision for the ready insertion and removal of a brassiere therefrom so that different types of brassieres may be worn with the same bathing suit.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention:

Fig. l is a perspective view illustrating a brassiere type bathing suit, pursuant to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the bathing suit, the latter being open to disclose the brassiere therein;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the brassiere, a portion thereof being displaced for purposes of illustration;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 illustrates a breast pad utilized in connection with the brassiere of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 2 with the brassiere removed from the bathing suit, and with a portion broken away for purposes of illustration;

Fig.7 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 7-Z of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view, on, an enlarged Referring now to ,the drawings in detail, there trated a bathing or swim suit 10 provided with a removable brassiere 12, pursuant to the present invention. The bathing suit 10 may be formed of any suitable ma terialand may be of any suitable construction.

As here shown, the bathing suit is provided at the inner surface thereof, in its bust area 14, with a suitable fabric shield or liner 16 which extends substantially throughout the entire bust area. Said liner is suitably secured to the suit, as by the rows of stitching 18 and 20, at the opposite ends thereof, is also suitably secured throughout its top marginal edge 22 to the suit, the opposing marginal edge 24 being preferably free of securement to the bathing suit and being provided with a band 26 of elastic material. Extending from the opposite ends of the shield 16, the bathing suit is provided, along the upper marginal edge thereof, with a strip or band 28 of resilient material, the-bathing suit being folded over the strip as at 30, and the folded over portion being secured as by the stitching 32. As here shown, the bathing suit is closed, at the back thereof by a conventional slide fastener means 34.

The shield 16 is provided in the bathing suit so that the latter may be worn without a brassiere. However, it will be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to dispense with the shield 16 since the brassiere 12, when worn with the bathing suit, will also function as a shield.

Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, provision is made to removably mount the brassiere 12 in position in the bust area 14 of the bathing suit. In order to removably retain the brassiere in the bathing suit, at the bust area thereof, provision is made for the spaced loops 36 and 38 preferably formed of a suitable fabric material. As here shown, each loop overlies one end of the shield 16, being suitably secured by stitching the opposite ends thereof to the underlying shield and bathing suit material. Where a shield is not used, said loops may be secured, in the same positions, directly to the suit. A third loop 134 is secured adjacent to the rear of the suit, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6.

As here shown, the brassiere 12 is provided with a pair of elongated fabric mesh portions or bands 40 and 42 at the opposite ends thereof. Said portions 40 and 42 are formed of suitable elastic material, preferably elastic nylon or leno fabric which absorbs a minimum amount of moisture so that it is quick drying. Said bands are stretchable longitudinally of the brassiere, as indicated by the arrow heads 44, and are inelastic transversely of said arrow heads. The bands 40 and 42 are adapted to extend around the sides of the wearer to a positionadjacent the center of the back. The free ends of the elastic portions are provided with end parts 46 carrying suitable fastening means enabling them to be attached to each other to hold the brassiere in place on the body of the wearer. A bottom elastic tape 48 extends across the entire bottom edge of the brassiere 12 and is adapted to yield to permit the brassiere to adjust itself to the body contours of the wearer. An elastic tape 50 extends across the top edge of the brassiere, at the portion or panel 40, and a similar elastic tape 52 extends across the top edge of the brassiere at the top of the elastic portion or panel 42, said elastic bands also adapting the brassiere to yield to permit the brassiere to adjust itself to the body contours of the wearer. It will be noted that the upper marginal edge of the brassiere has a contour complementary to the upper marginal edge of the suit and that the upper edge of the brassiere is below the upper edge of the ,suit. A pair of bias tapes 54-54, each of which encloses a vertical stay 52, are secured, as by stitching, to the elastic panels 40 and 42, respectively. .The stays 52 are preferably formed of slightly resilient flat bands of metal.

The brassiere is provided with a pair of breast cups 56 and 58. The bottom and side edges of the breast cups are defined by a pair of U-shaped spring steel wires 60-60. Each wire 60 is encased in fabric strips 62, 64 and 66, provision being made for a strip of sponge rubber 68 to overlie the fabric strip 62 at the inner side of the cup, and for a felt-like strip 70 which overlies the resilient strip 68. Except for the resilient strip 68 and the felted strip 70, the other strips associated with the wires 60 are formed of fast drying cloth, preferably of nylon. The breast cups also include an outer layer 72 formed of nylon which overlies a stilfening layer 74 formed of suitable open mesh fabric andis secured thereto as by concentric semi-circular rows of stitching 76. The layer 72, and the stitching 76, extends up to the nipple area 78 of the breast cup and is secured along the top edge thereof, as by the stitching 80, to a nylon band 82, which is devoid both of the underlying stiffener material 74 and the semi-circular stitches 76, and which band forms the upper portion of the outer layer of the breast cup. A laminated layer 84, constituted by an intermediate layer.86 of sponge rubber, or other suitable resilient material, embedded between fabric facing layers 88 and 90 underlies the entire front layer of the breast cup. At the inside thereof, each breast cup is provided with a layer 92 constituted by an upper horizontal band 94 secured along its bottom edge, as at 96, to segments 98 and 100, said band and said segments being formed of nylon or other suitable fast drying material. The segments 98 and 100 are unsecured to each other at their adjacent vertical edges so as to define a vertically extending slit or entrance opening 102 in the layer 92. The layer 92 defines,with the opposing layer constituted by the upper band 82 and the part 72 backed by the stiffener 74 and the resilient layer 84, a pocket 104, the access opening of which is constituted by the slit or opening 102. Lines of stitching 106 and 108 extend along the sides and bottom of each of the cups and secure together the various parts. As best shown in Fig. 4, said lines of stitching secure together the layers 62, 68 and 70 at the inner side of the wire 108, the layers 64 and 66 at the outer side of the wire 108, the bottom and sides of the segments 98 and 100, the laminated layer 84 the front layer constituted by the parts 72 and 82, the former being backed by the stiffener 74, and also the opposite sides of the bands 94, at the inner surface of the breast cups. The upper end of each band 82 is folded over the upper end of the underlying band 94, the upper end of the resilient layer 84 being disposed therebetween, and all of said parts are secured together, and to a strip 110 along the inner side of the upper edge of each cup, as by the stitching 112 and 114, additional stitching 116 securing together the band 82 and the resilient layer 84 adjacent the upper edges thereof. An intermediate panel 118, formed of similar material to the outer panels 40 and 42, but stretchable only transversely of the latter in a direction indicated by the arrow heads 120, is sewn into the brassiere between the breast cups 56 and 58, the previously mentioned resilient band 48 also extending along the bottom edge of the panel 118, it being noted that the lines of stitches 106 and 108 also secure together the adjacent ends of the intermediate panel and each of the outer panel, as at 122122. A cushioning layer 124 is secured between the cups at the inner surface of the brassiere.

The previously identified pocket 104, in each of the breast cups, is available for the insertion therein of a breast pad 126. The pads 126 are preferably formed of foam rubber or similar resilient material. The pads for both sides of the brassiere are identically formed. As here shown, the pads are shaped and contoured to provide a specific effect. Each pad is provided adjacent the bottom portion thereof with a hemispherical mount 128 which rises abruptly from the bottom edge of the pad so that when the pad is viewed from the side, as shown I in Fig. 4, the mount 128 extends rearwardly from the pad. It should also be noted that the center of the hemispherical mound 128 is disposed along the vertical axis of the pad 126 but well below its horizontal axis. The sides of the mound slope off into hollow portions 132132 within the interior of the pad above and on both sides of the mound 128.

In use, when the pad is inserted into the pocket of the breast cup, the lower portion of the mound 128 is pressed fiatly against the body of the wearer beneath the breast. The breast is accordingly forced to dispose itself so that it encircles the mound 128, fitting into the hollow portions 132132 above and on the sides of the mound and being restricted on the lower side by the wires 60. While the described pad is preferable for use in the brassiere of the present invention, it will be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to utilize any other type of pads suitable for the purpose with the brassiere 12.

In use, the brassiere 12 is inserted into the bathing suit, which as previously described, is provided with the pair of loops 36 and 38, at the opposite ends of the shield 14, and with the additional loop 134, which is provided at the inside of the bathing suit at the back portion 136 thereof. The end panel 40 of the brassiere is extended through the loops 36 and 134, and the end panel 42 is extended through the loop 38, as best shown in Fig. 2. The fastening elements at the outer ends of said end panels are then secured together in the usual manner, the end portions 40 and 42 being preferably slightly stretched by the body of the wearer when worn. In turn, they exert pressure on the upper free end of the Wires 60 to stretch them slightly farther apart at the top. The side edges of the breasts are held by the wires and the pads, while the lower portion of the breasts are disposed above the mounds 31.

With the use of the brassiere of the present invention,

the bathing suit 10 will supply the same good support, uplift and beauty of bustline which is provided by a regular foundation brassiere worn with other types of apparel. Since the brassiere is readily detachable, a prospective purchaser who likes a particular bathing suit can select an A, B or C breast cup size according to her own figure requirements, and not be limited to the size of built-in brassieres heretofore used in bathing suits. In addition, by using a detachable brassiere with the bathing suit 10, the user can have a choice of various different types of brassieres, merely by inserting the particular type that she prefers into the bathing suit. For example, the user may use a padded or an unpadded brassiere, or a longer or a shorter brassiere, whichever she finds most suitable. In addition, since the brassiere is easily removable, it may be laundered, as may be required, separate and apart from the bathing suit. Moreover, due to the fact that the brassiere is detachable, it may be used with garments other than swimsuits, so that the utility thereof is greatly increased.

Further it will be observed that in the commercial use of the present invention it will ordinarily be sufficient to provide the brassiere in a single size, i. e., of the intermediate or B cup size, rather than in a plurality of sizes, in as much as a brassiere of B cup size can be readily converted to an A cup size by inserting the pads 126 into the cups; also, the B cup size brassiere can be used by many women who ordinarily use brassieres of the C cup size, except women who require the full range of the C cup size.

While loops have been illustrated, as the manner of releasably or detachably securing the brassiere to the swimsuit, it will be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to use any other type of detachable and adjustable securing means, for example and not by way of limitation snap-fasteners, adjustable hooks, buttons and button holes, tie strings, etc.

If desired the brassiere may be attached to the suit 10 by short strips extending from each band 4042 or other suitable parts of the brassiere, to prevent inadvertent separation of the brassiere from the suit until the garment is sold. The purchaser could then readily sever these strips to provide a removable brassiere.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the present invention without departing from the underlying idea or principles of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. A lady's garment comprising a bathing suit extending substantially from the bust area to the hips of the wearer and having a portion to cover the bust area, and a strapless brassiere detachably secured to said suit so as to underlie said bust portion thereof, said brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups and bands extending outwardly from said breast cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer and said bust portion having means releasably engageable with said bands for detachably securing said brassiere within said suit to underlie said bust portion thereof, said means comprising loops provided at the inner surface of said suit through which said bands extend in sliding relation therewith whereby said brassiere may be tightened independeutly of said bathing suit.

2. A ladys garment comprising a bathing suit extending substantially from the bust area to the hips of the wearer and having a portion to cover the bust area, and a strapless brassiere detachably secured to said suit so as to underlie said bust portion thereof, said brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups and bands extending outwardly from said breast cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer, each of said bands having their inner ends secured along the entire outer side edge of the associated breast cup, and said bust portion having means releasably engageable with said bands for detachably securing said brassiere within said suit to underlie said bust portion thereof, said means comprising loops provided at the inner surface of said suit through which said bands extend in sliding relation therewith whereby said brassiere may be tightened independently of said bathing suit.

3. A ladys garment comprising a bathing suit extending substantially from the bust area to the hips of the wearer and having a portion to cover the bust area, and a strapless brassiere detachably secured to said suit so as to underlie said bust portion thereof, said brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups and bands extending outwardly from said breast cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer, and said bust por tion having means releasably engageable with said bands for detachably securing said brassiere within said suit to underlie said bust portion thereof, said means comprising a. pair of spaced loops provided in said bust portion through which said bands extend, and an additional loop at the rear of said suit through which one of said bands additionally extends, said bands being movable within said loops whereby said brassiere may be tightened independently of any tightening on said bathing suit.

4. A ladys garment comprising a'bathing suit extending substantially from the bust area to the hips of the wearer and having a portion to cover the bust area, and a strapless brassiere detachably secured to said suit so as to underlie said bust portion thereof, said brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups and bands extending outwardly from said breast cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer, each of said bands having their inner ends secured along the entire outer side edge of the associated breast cup and said bust portion having means releasably engageable with said bands for detachably securing said brassiere within said suit to underlie said bust portion thereof, said means comprising loops provided at the inner surface of said suit through which said bands extend in. sliding relation therewith whereby said brassiere may be tightened inde pendently of said bathing suit, said brassiere having an upper marginal edge contour which is complementary to and which does not project beyond the upper marginal edge of said suit when said brassiere is secured therein. S. A ladys garment comprising a bathing suit extending substantially from the bust area to the hips of the wearer and having a portion to cover the bust area and a strapless brassiere detachably secured to said suit so as to underlie said bust portion thereof, said brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups, a panel interconnecting said cups, and bands extending outwardly from said cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer, said panel and said bands being formed of one way stretchable material, said bands being stretchable longitudinally of said brassiere and said panel being stretchable transversely thereof, and said bust. portion having means releasably engageable with said bands for detachably securing said brassiere within said suit to underlie said bust portion thereof, said means comprising loops provided at the inner surface of said suit through which said bands extend in sliding relation therewith whereby said brassiere may be tightened independently of said bathing suit.

6. A brassiere of the character described comprising a pair of breast cups, a panel interconnecting said cups, and bands extending outwardly from said cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer, each cup being formed by an outer and inner layer of fabric secured together along their peripheries to define a pad receiving pocket therein, said inner layer having a lower portion which extends upwardly of the cups and terminates substantially at the nipple area thereof and an upper portion which extends from and upwardly of said lower portion, and an access opening for said pocket defined in said inner layer and comprising; a vertically extending slit in said lower portion which terminates at its upper end at said upper portion.

7. A brassiere of the character described comprising a pair of breast cups, a panel interconnecting said cups, and bands extending outwardly from said cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer, each cup being formed by an outer and inner layer of fabric secured together along their peripheries to define a pad receiving pocket therein, said inner layer having a lower portion which extends upwardly of the cup and terminates substantially at the nipple area thereof and an upper portion which extends from and upwardly of said lower portion, and an access opening for said pocket defined in said inner layer and comprising a vertically extending slit in said lower portion which terminates at its upper end at said upper portion, each of said outer layers having a lower portion which extends upwardly of the cup and terminates substantially at said nipple area and an upper portion which extends from and upwardly of said outer layer lower portion, said outer layer lower portion having stitches sewn therein along substantially concentric semi-circular lines, the ends of each semi-circle terminating at the line of juncture of said lower and upper portions, and said upper portion being devoid of said lines of stitches.

8. A ladys garment comprising a bathing suit extending substantially from the bust area to the hips of the wearer and having a portion to cover the bust area, and a strapless brassiere detachably secured to said suit so as to underlie said bust portion thereof, said brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups, a panel interconnecting said cups, and bands extending outwardly from said cups, respectively, for connection to each other about the wearer, each cup being formed by an outer and inner layer of fabric secured together along their peripheries to define a pad receiving pocket therein, said inner layer having a ama eo lower portion which extends upwardly of the cups and terminates substantially at the nipple area thereof and an upper portion which extends from and upwardly of said lower portion, and an access opening for said pocket defined in said inner layer and comprising a vertically extending slit in said lower portion which terminates at its upper end at said upper portion, said bust portion having means releasably engageable with said bands for detaehably securing said brassiere within said suit to underlie said bust portion thereof, said means comprising loops provided at the inner surface of said suit through which said bands extend in sliding relation therewith whereby said brassiere may be tightened independently of said bathing suit.

, 8 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 192,729 Bale et al. July 3, 1877 1,387,586 Bradford Aug. 16, 1921 2,141,408 Rosenthal Dec. 27, 1938 2,268,781 Slotoroff Jan. 6, 1942 2,359,804 Struthers Oct. 10, 1944 2,443,225 Cadous June 15, 1948 2,592,265 Fytfe Apr. 8, 1952 2,629,099 Phillips Feb. 24, 1953 2,673,981 Popp Apr. 6, 1954 2,725,574 Block et a1 Dec. 6, 1955 2,817,842 Block et al.' Dec. 31, 1957 

